Millennials embracing online reality more than baby boomers

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PA

A new survey has revealed significant differences between millennials and baby boomers when it comes to attitudes towards the internet.

While millennials (ages 18 to 34) and baby boomers (35+) were both reluctant allow access to their personal data and web behaviour, millennials were more willing to compromise some of their privacy where there was a perceived benefit.

When asked about the statement, "No one should ever be allowed to have access to my personal data or web behavior," 70 per cent of millennials agreed, compared with 77 per cent of users 35 and older.

When asked if they would share their location with companies in order to receive coupons or deals for nearby businesses, 56 per cent of millennials agreed, compared to 42 per cent of users aged 35 and older.

And when asked if they would share information with companies "as long as I get something in return", 51 per cent of millennials agreed, compared to 40 per cent of those age 35 and older.

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Social networks have also become a normal part of day to day communication for millennials in a way that they haven't for over-35s.

The average number of people millennials say they regularly contact through social networking sites is 18, compared to only five for users over the age of 35.

Millennials also use social networking sites far more frequently, with almost half of millennials (48 per cent) saying they visit social networking websites several times a day. This compares to only one in five users aged 35 or older.

The survey was conducted by the USC Annenberg Center for the Digital Future and Bovitz Inc.

"Millennials think differently when it comes to online privacy," said Elaine B Coleman, managing director of media and emerging technologies for Bovitz.